. >> reporter: the fbi calls it swatting, they report a false emergency and brings out law enforcement, often including a s.w.a.t. team. it happened in computer gamers, conservative bloggers and even singer miley cyrus. someone called the police to her home in august with a 911 call reporting shots fired. it was yet another hoax but one with serious consequences. perpetrators face a $10,000 fine and up to three years in prison if caught. >> officers put thur lives on the line. every time they get a call, they're taking their lives at risk. >> he was not home wednesday morning but later tweeted from the set of his sitcom saying "safe and sound at two and a half men. don't miss tomorrow night at 8:30. >> you have a home here as long as you want. >> reporter: it may have been a hoax but that's no reason to pass up an opportunity for a little self promotion. for cbs this morning, ben tracy, los angeles. >> self promotion aside, it's just not funny. so far they have a hard time catching the people who are responsible for doing that. >> i never heard of that before. first time i heard of it.